Felistus
How Cone Bag Farming Helped a Young Woman in Kenya Become a Leader in Her Community
In the quiet village of Kambi Mawe in Makueni County lives Felistus, a young woman living with a physical disability. Farming is a common livelihood in her village, but it always felt out of reach because, for her, bending, lifting, and long hours under the sun were difficult. She often wondered whether it would ever truly be hers to work.
Everything began to shift when Felistus learned about the Scaling the Aggregator Enhancement Program, an initiative implemented by Arabuko Limited, a youth-led organization that aims to empower young people, especially women, and transform agriculture in Kenya through entrepreneurship.
During the trainings, Felistus was introduced to cone bag farming; a simple, accessible method that she could manage independently. She learned how to set up the bags, how to water them, and how to care for each layer of plants. With every session, she grew more confident, realizing that farming didn’t have to be out of reach.
Felistus giving a presentation during a training session.
Back home, she set up her first few cone bags. They stood neatly outside her house, easily accessible and simple to tend. She planted kales (spinach, sukumawiki, and managu) following the steps she had practiced in training.
“Cone bag farming has changed more than just how I grow vegetables; it has transformed how I see myself and my place in the world,” she says. “I now feel capable, independent, and part of something bigger than my own struggles. I want to be able to mentor others, test new farming methods, and create opportunities for young women and people with disabilities in my village. Every seed I plant reminds me that my abilities are stronger than our limitations, and every harvest shows me the power of perseverance and hope. I want young people in my community to know that even when life feels unfair or doors seem closed, there is a way to grow, to lead, and to make a difference. This garden is not just about food. It is about courage, possibility, and the impact we can have when we refuse to be defined by what we cannot do.”
She says her first harvest felt like a victory. She could finally grow her own food, fresh and within reach. Soon, the produce was more than enough for her household, so she began selling the surplus to neighbours. What started as a small effort quickly became a meaningful source of income.
She found herself welcoming other young women, and even fellow community members living with disabilities, to see her cone bags. She showed them how the method worked, how simple it could be, and how it had restored her sense of independence.
Today, Felistus is a beacon for how accessible opportunities can transform lives. Her garden sustains her family, earns her income, and contributes to her community. Her story is a reminder that when the right tools meet the right support, people don’t just grow crops; they grow confidence, courage, and hope.
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